By TINA TIMOTHY

A group known as The Conscience Foundation has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of a Nigerian journalist, Daniel Ojukwu.

The group, in a statement on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 by its Communications Officer, Deborah Yusuf, described Ojukwu as an “investigative journalist, a renowned critic of corruption and injustice in Nigeria”. It slammed his arrest as unjust and a violation of freedom of expression as enshrined in extant laws.

The statement reads: “The Conscience Foundation, an advocate for Human Right condemns in the strongest terms the unjust arrest of Nigerian journalist Daniel Ojukwu. Ojukwu, known for his fearless reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity, was abducted in a most Gestapo manner from the streets of Lagos by operatives of the State on the 1^st of May, 2024, flown to Abuja and has been detained since then under dubious circumstances.

“Daniel Ojukwu is an investigative journalist, a renowned critic of corruption and injustice in Nigeria, who uses his pen as a journalist to shine light on issues that are often ignored or suppressed by those in power. His arrest is widely viewed as a retaliatory measure intended to silence dissent and intimidate other members of the press.

“As a Foundation dedicated to upholding the principles of press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists in Nigeria, we are deeply troubled by the arrest of Daniel Ojukwu. His detention represents a blatant violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in both national and international laws and conventions.

“We wish to state unequivocally that a free and viable Press is one of the inalienable pillars of a healthy democracy and society. Journalists by consequences, play a vital role in this regard, holding governments and institutions accountable, informing the public, and fostering open and healthy dialogue. When journalists like Daniel Ojukwu are therefore targeted and victimized for their work, it not only undermines press freedom but also threatens the very fabric of democracy.”

Standing in solidarity with “Ojukwu and all journalists who risk their lives and livelihoods to uncover the truth and hold power to account,” the group consequently called on the Nigerian authorities to release him, drop all charges against him as well as respect rights of journalists to report freely.

The foundation warned that “any attempt to by any means, suppress press freedom will be met with swift and decisive condemnation and resistance by all lovers of freedom and egalitarian society.”

“We therefore strongly call on the Nigerian authorities to immediately release Daniel Ojukwu forthwith, and drop all charges against him. We charge the government to respect the rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of reprisal.

“We wish to also make it clear, that anything to the contrary or any attempt to by any means, suppress press freedom will be met with swift and decisive condemnation and resistance by all lovers of freedom and egalitarian society.

“We therefore stand in solidarity with Daniel Ojukwu and all journalists who risk their lives and livelihoods to uncover the truth and hold power to account. We will continue to advocate for press freedom and work tirelessly to ensure that journalists can carry out their vital work without fear of persecution,” the group said.

News Express reports that Nigerian police authorities have bowed to mounting and finally released Ojukwu earlier today, Friday, May 10 – a day after journalists and rights activities protested in front of the Nigerian police headquarters in Abuja.

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